U.S. patent application number 15/146640 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for display device and method of manufacturing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Soyeon Eom, Jinhwa Jeon, Youngkuil Joo, Jongsuk Lee, Kyungsu Lee, Donghun No.
Application Number | 20170080680 15/146640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58276466 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170080680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Jongsuk ; et
al. |
March 23, 2017 |
DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Abstract
There is provided a display device including a first member, a
window on the first member, a first adhesive layer between the
first member and the window, and a light blocking layer between the
window and the first adhesive layer, the window including a first
window portion contacting the first adhesive layer and including a
bending portion and a non-bending portion, and a second window
portion connected to the bending portion, the second window portion
being spaced from the non-bending portion and contacting the light
blocking layer, wherein the first adhesive layer includes, a first
adhesive portion including a first sub-adhesive portion contacting
the bending portion, and a second sub-adhesive portion contacting
the non-bending portion, and a second adhesive portion contacting
the light blocking layer, and wherein the first sub-adhesive
portion has a modulus less than a modulus of each of the second
sub-adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jongsuk; (Asan-si,
KR) ; No; Donghun; (Cheongju-si, KR) ; Eom;
Soyeon; (Daegu, KR) ; Lee; Kyungsu;
(Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Jeon; Jinhwa; (Osan-si,
KR) ; Joo; Youngkuil; (Asan-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
58276466 |
Appl. No.: |
15/146640 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 7/02 20130101; B32B
7/12 20130101; B32B 2310/0831 20130101; B32B 2457/20 20130101; B32B
2305/72 20130101; G06F 1/1652 20130101; B32B 37/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B32B 7/02 20060101
B32B007/02; B32B 7/12 20060101 B32B007/12; B32B 37/14 20060101
B32B037/14; B32B 37/12 20060101 B32B037/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0132499 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a first member; a window on the
first member; a first adhesive layer between the first member and
the window; and a light blocking layer between the window and the
first adhesive layer, the window comprising: a first window portion
contacting the first adhesive layer and comprising a bending
portion and a non-bending portion; and a second window portion
connected to the bending portion, the second window portion being
spaced from the non-bending portion and contacting the light
blocking layer, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises: a first
adhesive portion comprising a first sub-adhesive portion contacting
the bending portion, and a second sub-adhesive portion contacting
the non-bending portion; and a second adhesive portion contacting
the light blocking layer, and wherein the first sub-adhesive
portion has a modulus that is less than a modulus of each of the
second sub-adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first sub-adhesive
portion has a hardness that is less than a hardness of each of the
second sub-adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion.
3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first sub-adhesive
portion contacts one side surface of the light blocking layer, and
contacts the bending portion.
4. The display device of claim 1, wherein the modulus of the second
sub-adhesive portion is equal to or less than the modulus of the
second adhesive portion.
5. The display device of claim 1, wherein the bending portion
comprises: a first bending portion connected to the non-bending
portion; and a second bending portion connected to the non-bending
portion and spaced from the first bending portion, and wherein the
first sub-adhesive portion comprises: a first bending adhesive
portion contacting the first bending portion; and a second bending
adhesive portion contacting the second bending portion.
6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the light blocking layer
comprises: a first light blocking layer; and a second light
blocking layer spaced from the first light blocking layer, wherein
the second window portion comprises: a first sub-window portion
connected to the first window portion and the first light blocking
layer; and a second sub-window portion connected to the first
window portion and the second light blocking layer, the second
sub-window portion being spaced from the first sub-window portion,
wherein the second adhesive portion comprises: a third sub-adhesive
portion contacting the first light blocking layer; and a fourth
sub-adhesive portion contacting the second light blocking layer,
and wherein a modulus of the first bending adhesive portion and a
modulus of the second bending adhesive portion are each less than
each of a modulus of the third sub-adhesive portion and a modulus
of the fourth sub-adhesive portion.
7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first member
comprises at least one of a polarizing plate, a display panel, and
a touch screen panel.
8. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer
comprises a UV curing agent.
9. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer
comprises at least one of an acrylic-based compound or an
acrylic-based copolymer.
10. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a second
member under the first member; and a second adhesive layer between
the first member and the second member.
11. The display device of claim 10, wherein the first member
comprises: a first member portion contacting the first adhesive
portion; and a second member portion contacting the second adhesive
portion, wherein the second adhesive layer comprises: a third
adhesive portion contacting the first member portion; and a fourth
adhesive portion contacting the second member portion, wherein the
first member portion comprises: a first bending member portion
contacting the first sub-adhesive portion; and a first non-bending
member portion contacting the second sub-adhesive portion, wherein
the third adhesive portion comprises: a fifth sub-adhesive portion
contacting the first bending member portion; and a sixth
sub-adhesive portion contacting the first non-bending member
portion, and wherein the fifth sub-adhesive portion has a modulus
that is less than each of a modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive
portion and a modulus of the fourth adhesive portion.
12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the modulus of the
sixth sub-adhesive portion is equal to the modulus of the fourth
adhesive portion.
13. The display device of claim 11, wherein the modulus of the
sixth sub-adhesive portion is less than the modulus of the fourth
adhesive portion.
14. The display device of claim 10, wherein the second member is
different from the first member, and wherein each of the first and
second members comprises at least one of a polarizing plate, a
display panel, and a touch screen panel.
15. A method of manufacturing a display device, the method
comprising: preparing a first adhesive layer comprising a first
adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion, the first adhesive
portion comprising a first sub-adhesive portion and a second
sub-adhesive portion; curing the first adhesive layer such that a
hardness of the first sub-adhesive portion is less than each of a
hardness of the second sub-adhesive portion and a hardness of the
second adhesive portion; attaching the first adhesive layer to a
light blocking layer and to a window; and attaching the first
adhesive layer to a first member, wherein the window comprises: a
first window portion comprising a bending portion and a non-bending
portion; and a second window portion connected to the bending
portion, spaced from the non-bending portion, and contacting the
light blocking layer, and wherein the attaching of the window
comprise attaching the first sub-adhesive portion to the bending
portion, attaching the second sub-adhesive portion to the
non-bending portion, and attaching the second adhesive portion to
the second window portion.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the curing of the first
adhesive layer comprises: providing a mask above the first adhesive
layer; and applying a UV light to the first adhesive layer using
the mask.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the curing of the first
adhesive layer is performed before or after the attaching of the
first adhesive layer to the light blocking layer and the
window.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the curing of the first
adhesive layer is performed such that a modulus of the first
sub-adhesive portion is less than each of a modulus of the second
sub-adhesive portion and a modulus of the second adhesive portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority
to, and the benefit of, Korean Patent Application No.
10-2015-0132499, filed on Sep. 18, 2015, the content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a
method of manufacturing the same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A display device displays a variety of images on its display
screen to provide a user with information. In recent years, a
bendable display device has been developed. The bendable display
device is generally either flexible or rigid. When the bendable
display device is flexible, a portion of the display device is
bent, folded, rolled, or curved like a paper. In addition, when the
bendable display device is rigid, the display device may be
maintained in a bent state. Different from a flat panel display
device, because the bendable display device is deformable into
various shapes, the bendable display device is easy to carry, and
improves user's convenience.
SUMMARY
[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are
directed to a display device having improved (e.g., increased)
durability, and a method of manufacturing the display device.
[0007] According to some embodiments of the present inventive
concept, there is provided a display device including: a first
member; a window on the first member; a first adhesive layer
between the first member and the window; and a light blocking layer
between the window and the first adhesive layer, the window
including: a first window portion contacting the first adhesive
layer and including a bending portion and a non-bending portion;
and a second window portion connected to the bending portion, the
second window portion being spaced from the non-bending portion and
contacting the light blocking layer, wherein the first adhesive
layer includes: a first adhesive portion including a first
sub-adhesive portion contacting the bending portion, and a second
sub-adhesive portion contacting the non-bending portion; and a
second adhesive portion contacting the light blocking layer, and
wherein the first sub-adhesive portion has a modulus that is less
than a modulus of each of the second sub-adhesive portion and the
second adhesive portion.
[0008] In an embodiment, the first sub-adhesive portion has a
hardness that is less than a hardness of each of the second
sub-adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion.
[0009] In an embodiment, the first sub-adhesive portion contacts
one side surface of the light blocking layer, and contacts the
bending portion.
[0010] In an embodiment, the modulus of the second sub-adhesive
portion is equal to or less than the modulus of the second adhesive
portion.
[0011] In an embodiment, the bending portion includes: a first
bending portion connected to the non-bending portion; and a second
bending portion connected to the non-bending portion and spaced
from the first bending portion, and wherein the first sub-adhesive
portion includes: a first bending adhesive portion contacting the
first bending portion; and a second bending adhesive portion
contacting the second bending portion.
[0012] In an embodiment, the light blocking layer includes: a first
light blocking layer; and a second light blocking layer spaced from
the first light blocking layer, wherein the second window portion
includes: a first sub-window portion connected to the first window
portion and the first light blocking layer; and a second sub-window
portion connected to the first window portion and the second light
blocking layer, the second sub-window portion being spaced from the
first sub-window portion, wherein the second adhesive portion
includes: a third sub-adhesive portion contacting the first light
blocking layer; and a fourth sub-adhesive portion contacting the
second light blocking layer, and wherein a modulus of the first
bending adhesive portion and a modulus of the second bending
adhesive portion are each less than each of a modulus of the third
sub-adhesive portion and a modulus of the fourth sub-adhesive
portion.
[0013] In an embodiment, the first member includes at least one of
a polarizing plate, a display panel, and a touch screen panel.
[0014] In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer includes a UV
curing agent.
[0015] In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer includes at least
one of an acrylic-based compound or an acrylic-based copolymer.
[0016] In an embodiment, the display device further includes: a
second member under the first member; and a second adhesive layer
between the first member and the second member.
[0017] In an embodiment, the first member includes: a first member
portion contacting the first adhesive portion; and a second member
portion contacting the second adhesive portion, wherein the second
adhesive layer includes: a third adhesive portion contacting the
first member portion; and a fourth adhesive portion contacting the
second member portion, wherein the first member portion includes: a
first bending member portion contacting the first sub-adhesive
portion; and a first non-bending member portion contacting the
second sub-adhesive portion, wherein the third adhesive portion
includes: a fifth sub-adhesive portion contacting the first bending
member portion; and a sixth sub-adhesive portion contacting the
first non-bending member portion, and wherein the fifth
sub-adhesive portion has a modulus that is less than each of a
modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive portion and a modulus of the
fourth adhesive portion.
[0018] In an embodiment, the modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive
portion is equal to the modulus of the fourth adhesive portion.
[0019] In an embodiment, the modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive
portion is less than the modulus of the fourth adhesive
portion.
[0020] In an embodiment, the second member is different from the
first member, and each of the first and second members includes at
least one of a polarizing plate, a display panel, and a touch
screen panel.
[0021] According to some embodiments of the present inventive
concept, there is provided a method of manufacturing a display
device, the method including: preparing a first adhesive layer
including a first adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion,
the first adhesive portion including a first sub-adhesive portion
and a second sub-adhesive portion; curing the first adhesive layer
such that a hardness of the first sub-adhesive portion is less than
each of a hardness of the second sub-adhesive portion and a
hardness of the second adhesive portion; attaching the first
adhesive layer to a light blocking layer and to a window; and
attaching the first adhesive layer to a first member, wherein the
window includes: a first window portion including a bending portion
and a non-bending portion; and a second window portion connected to
the bending portion, spaced from the non-bending portion, and
contacting the light blocking layer, and wherein the attaching of
the window include attaching the first sub-adhesive portion to the
bending portion, attaching the second sub-adhesive portion to the
non-bending portion, and attaching the second adhesive portion to
the second window portion.
[0022] In an embodiment, the curing of the first adhesive layer
includes: providing a mask above the first adhesive layer; and
applying a UV light to the first adhesive layer using the mask.
[0023] In an embodiment, the curing of the first adhesive layer is
performed before or after the attaching of the first adhesive layer
to the light blocking layer and the window.
[0024] In an embodiment, the curing of the first adhesive layer is
performed such that a modulus of the first sub-adhesive portion is
less than each of a modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion and
a modulus of the second adhesive portion.
[0025] According to the above, the display device may be
manufactured to have improved (e.g., increased) durability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will
become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a display device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the display device
shown in FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a display device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the display device
shown in FIG. 2A;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a display device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the display device
shown in FIG. 3A;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a method of manufacturing a
display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0034] FIGS. 5A-5E are cross-sectional views showing processes of
the manufacturing method of the display device according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0036] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0037] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a display device 10
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 10
shown in FIG. 1A.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the display device 10 includes
a first member MM1, a window WD, a light blocking layer SP, and a
first adhesive layer AL1. The first member MM1 may include at least
one of a polarizing plate, a display panel, and a touch screen
panel. For instance, the first member MM1 may be the polarizing
plate, the display panel, or the touch screen panel. The first
member MM1 may include the display panel, the polarizing plate, and
the touch screen panel, which are sequentially stacked along a
third direction DR3, or may include the display panel and the touch
screen panel (while omitting the polarizing plate), which are
sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3. However, the
first member MM1 should not be limited thereto or thereby. That is,
the first member MM1 may have various suitable stack structures as
long as the first member MM1 includes at least one of the
polarizing plate, the display panel, and the touch screen
panel.
[0039] The display panel may be, but is not limited to, an organic
light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a
plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, a
microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display panel, or an
electrowetting display panel.
[0040] The first member MM1 may be flexible or rigid. The term
"flexible" used herein means that the first member MM1 may be
curved, e.g., the first member MM1 is fully folded or slightly
curved.
[0041] The first member MM1 includes a first member portion MMP1
and a second member portion MMP2. The first member portion MMP1 and
the second member portion MMP2 are connected to each other, and
extend along a second direction DR2 (which is substantially
orthogonal to the third direction DR3). The first member portion
MMP1 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) a first adhesive
portion ALP1. The second member portion MMP2 is connected to the
first member portion MMP1. The second member portion MMP2 makes
contact with (e.g., is adhered to) a second adhesive portion ALP2.
The first member portion MMP1 includes a first bending member
portion BMMP1 and a first non-bending member portion NMMP1. The
first bending member portion BMMP1 is bent with respect to (e.g.,
about) a bending axis BX extending in a first direction DR1 (which
is orthogonal to the second and third directions DR2 and DR3). The
term "bending" used herein means that the first bending member
portion BMMP1 may be curved by an external force.
[0042] The first bending member portion BMMP1 makes contact with
(e.g., is adhered to) a first sub-adhesive portion SALP1. The first
non-bending member portion NMMP1 is connected to the first bending
member portion BMMP1. The first non-bending member portion NMMP1
may be flat, or unbent. The first non-bending member portion NMMP1
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) a second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2.
[0043] The window WD is disposed on the first member MM1. The
window WD may be flexible or rigid. The window WD may be, but is
not limited to, a cover glass. The window WD may include glass or
organic polymer.
[0044] The window WD includes a first window portion WDP1 and a
second window portion WDP2. The first and second window portions
WDP1 and WDP2 are connected to each other and generally extend
along the second direction DR2. The first window portion WDP1 makes
contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the first adhesive layer AL1 and
does not make contact with the light blocking layer SP. The first
window portion WDP1 includes a bending portion BP and a non-bending
portion NBP. The bending portion BP is bent with respect to (e.g.,
about) the bending axis BX extending in the first direction DR1.
The non-bending portion NBP is connected to the bending portion BP.
The non-bending portion NBP may be flat, or unbent.
[0045] The second window portion WDP2 makes contact with the light
blocking layer SP and does not make contact with the first adhesive
layer AL1. The second window portion WDP2 is connected to the first
window portion WDP1. The second window portion WDP2 is spaced from
the non-bending portion NBP and is connected to the bending portion
BP. The second window portion WDP2 may be bent with respect to
(e.g., about) the bending axis BX, or may be flat without being
bent.
[0046] The light blocking layer SP is between the window WD and the
first adhesive layer AL1. The light blocking layer SP may be, but
is not limited to, a black matrix. The fight blocking layer SP
makes contact with the second window portion WDP2, and does not
make contact with the first window portion WDP1.
[0047] The first adhesive layer AL1 is between the first member MM1
and the window WD. The first adhesive layer AL1 attaches the first
member MM1 to the window WD. The first adhesive layer AL1 may
include at least one of an acrylic-base compound and/or an
acrylic-based copolymer, although the first adhesive layer AL1
should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example, the first
adhesive layer AL1 may include a UV curing agent.
[0048] The first adhesive layer AL1 includes the first adhesive
portion ALP1 and the second adhesive portion ALP2. The first and
second adhesive portions ALP1 and ALP2 are connected to each other
and extend along the second direction DR2. The first adhesive
portion ALP1 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the first
window portion WDP1 and the first member portion MMP1. The first
adhesive portion ALP1 is attached to (e.g., is adhered to) each of
the first window portion WDP1 and the first member portion MMP1 to
fix (e.g., to attach or to adhere) the first window portion WDP1
and the first member portion MMP1 to each other. The second
adhesive portion ALP2 is connected to the first adhesive portion
ALP1. The second adhesive portion ALP2 makes contact with (e.g., is
adhered to) the light blocking layer SP and the second member
portion MMP2. The second adhesive portion ALP2 is attached to
(e.g., is adhered to) each of the light blocking layer SP and the
second member portion MMP2 to fix the light blocking layer SP and
the second member portion MMP2 to each other.
[0049] The first adhesive portion ALP1 includes the first
sub-adhesive portion SALP1 and the second sub-adhesive portion
SALP2. The first and second sub-adhesive portions SALP1 and SALP2
are connected to each other and generally extend along the second
direction DR2. The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 makes contact
with (e.g., is adhered to) the bending portion BP and the first
bending member portion BMMP1. The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1
is attached to the bending portion BP and the first bending member
portion BMMP1 to fix the bending portion BP and the first bending
member portion BMMP1 to each other. The second sub-adhesive portion
SALP2 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the non-bending
portion NBP and the first non-bending member portion NMMP1. The
second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 is attached to each of the
non-bending portion NBP and the first non-bending member portion
NMMP1 to fix the non-bending portion NBP and the first non-bending
member portion NMMP1 to each other.
[0050] The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 has a modulus (e.g., a
modulus of elasticity) that is less than a modulus of each of the
second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and the second adhesive portion
ALP2. The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 has a hardness that is
less than a hardness of each of the second sub-adhesive portion
SALP2 and the second adhesive portion ALP2.
[0051] The second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 has substantially the
same modulus as that of the second adhesive portion ALP2. The
second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 has substantially the same
hardness as that of the second adhesive portion ALP2. However,
according to some embodiments, the modulus of the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be less than that of the second
adhesive portion ALP2, and the hardness of the second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2 may be less than that of the second adhesive portion
ALP2.
[0052] The display device 10 according to the present exemplary
embodiment may be operated in a first mode and in a second mode. In
the first mode, at least a portion of the window WD and the first
member MM1 is bent (e.g., may be bent with respect to, or about,
the bending axis BX). The bending of the window WD and the first
member MM1 is stretched out (e.g., flat) in the second mode.
[0053] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a display device 10
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 10
shown in FIG. 2A.
[0054] Hereinafter, the display device 10 according to the present
exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, features of the display device
that are different from those of the display device shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B are primarily described.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display device 10 includes
a first member MM1, a window WD, light blocking layers SP1 and SP2,
and a first adhesive layer AL1. The first member MM1 includes at
least one of the polarizing plate, the display panel, and the touch
screen panel. The first member MM1 may be flexible or rigid.
[0056] The first member MM1 includes a first member portion MMP1
and a second member portion MMP2. The first member portion MMP1 and
the second member portion MMP2 are connected to each other, and
extend along the second direction DR2. The first member portion
MMP1 makes contact with a first adhesive portion ALP1. The first
member portion MM1 includes first bending member portions SBMMP1
and SBMMP2 and a first non-bending member portion NMMP1. The first
bending member portions SBMMP1 and SBMMP2 respectively make contact
with first sub-adhesive portions SSALP1 and SSALP2. The first
non-bending member portion NMMP1 is connected to the first bending
member portions SBMMP1 and SBMMP2. The first non-bending member
portion NMMP1 may be flat without being bent. The first non-bending
member portion NMMP1 makes contact with the second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2.
[0057] The first bending member portions SBMMP1 and SBMMP2 include
a first sub-bending member portion SBMMP1 and a second sub-bending
portion SBMMP2. The first sub-bending member portion SBMMP1 is
connected to the first non-bending member portion NMMP1. The first
sub-bending member portion SBMMP1 is bent with respect to (e.g.,
about) a first bending axis BX1 extending in a first direction DR1.
The first sub-bending member portion SBMMP1 makes contact with the
first bending adhesive portion SSALP1. The second sub-bending
member portion SBMMP2 is connected to the first non-bending member
portion NMMP1, and is spaced from the first sub-bending member
portion SBMMP1. The second sub-bending member portion SBMMP2 is
bent with respect to (e.g., about) a second bending axis BX2
extending in the first direction DR1. The second sub-bending member
portion SBMMP2 makes contact with the second bending adhesive
portion SSALP2.
[0058] The second member portion MMP2 is connected to the first
member portion MMP1. The second member portion MMP2 makes contact
with a second adhesive portion ALP2. The second member portion MMP2
includes a first sub-member portion SMMP1 and a second sub-member
portion SMMP2. The first sub-member portion SMMP1 is connected to
the first member portion MMP1. The first sub-member portion SMMP1
makes contact with a third sub-adhesive portion SALP3. The second
sub-member portion SMMP2 is connected to the first member portion
MMP1, and is spaced from the first sub-member portion SMMP1. The
second sub-member portion SMMP2 makes contact with a fourth
sub-adhesive portion SALP4.
[0059] The window WD is on the first member MM1. The window WD may
be flexible or rigid. The window WD includes a first window portion
WDP1 and a second window portion WDP2. The first window portion
WDP1 makes contact with the first adhesive layer AL1 and does not
make contact with the light blocking layers SP1 and SP2.
[0060] The first window portion WDP1 includes bending portions BP1
and BP2 and a non-bending portion NBP. The bending portions BP1 and
BP2 may be bent. The non-bending portion NBP may be flat without
being bent. The bending portions BP1 and BP2 include a first
bending portion BP1 and a second bending portion BP2. The first
bending portion BP1 is connected to the non-bending portion NBP.
The first bending portion BP1 is bent with respect to (e.g., about)
the first bending axis BX1 extending in the first direction DR1.
The second bending portion BP2 is connected to the non-bending
portion NBP and spaced from the first bending portion BP1. The
second bending portion BP2 is bent with respect to (e.g., about)
the second bending axis BX2 extending in the first direction DR1.
The second window portion WDP2 makes contact with the light
blocking layers SP1 and SP2, and does not make contact with the
first adhesive layer AL1.
[0061] The second window portion WDP2 includes a first sub-window
portion SWDP1 and a second sub-window portion SWDP2. The first
sub-window portion SWDP1 is connected to the first window portion
WDP1. The first sub-window portion SWDP1 makes contact with the
first light blocking layer SP1. The first sub-window portion SWDP1
does not make contact with the first adhesive layer AL1. The second
sub-window portion SWPD2 is connected to the first window portion
WDP1, and is spaced from the first sub-window portion SWDP1. The
second sub-window portion SWDP2 makes contact with the second light
blocking layer SP2. The second sub-window portion SWDP2 does not
make contact with the first adhesive layer AL1.
[0062] The light blocking layers SP1 and SP2 are between the window
WD and the first adhesive layer AL1. The light blocking layers SP1
and SP2 include the first light blocking layer SP1, and the second
light blocking layer SP2 spaced from the first light blocking layer
SP1. The first light blocking layer SP1 makes contact with the
first sub-window portion SWDP1. The second light blocking layer SP2
makes contact with the second sub-window portion SWDP2.
[0063] The first adhesive layer ALA is between the first member MM1
and the window WD. The first adhesive layer AL1 includes a first
adhesive portion ALP1 and a second adhesive portion ALP2. For
instance, the first and second adhesive portions ALP1 and ALP2 are
connected to each other, and extend along the second direction DR2.
The first adhesive portion ALP1 makes contact with (e.g., is
adhered to) the first window portion WDP1 and the first member
portion MMP1. The first adhesive portion ALP1 is attached to each
of the first window portion WDP1 and the first member portion MMP1
to fix the first window portion WDP1 and the first member portion
MMP1 to each other.
[0064] The first adhesive portion ALP1 includes first sub-adhesive
portions SSALP1 and SSALP2 and a second sub-adhesive portion SALP2.
The first sub-adhesive portions SSALP1 and SSALP2 and the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2 are connected to each other and
generally extend along the second direction DR2. The first
sub-adhesive portions SSALP1 and SSALP2 make contact with (e.g.,
are adhered to) respective ones of the bending portions BP1 and BP2
and respective ones of the first bending member portions SBMMP1 and
SBMMP2. The first sub-adhesive portions SSALP1 and SSALP2 are
attached to the respective bending portions BP1 and BP2 and the
respective first bending member portions SBMMP1 and SBMMP2 to fix
the bending portions BP1 and BP2 and the first bending member
portions SBMMP1 and SBMMP2 to respective ones of one another. The
second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 is connected to the first
sub-adhesive portions SSALP1 and SSALP2. The second sub-adhesive
SALP2 makes contact with the non-bending portion NBP and the first
non-bending member portion NMMP1. The second sub-adhesive SALP2 is
attached to each of the non-bending portion NBP and the first
non-bending member portion NMMP1 to fix the non-bending portion NBP
and the first non-bending member portion NMMP1 to each other.
[0065] The first sub-adhesive portions SSALP1 and SSALP2 include a
first bending adhesive portion SSALP1 and a second bending adhesive
SSALP2. The first bending adhesive portion SSALP1 is connected to
the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2. The first bending adhesive
portion SSALP1 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the first
bending portion BP1 and the first sub-bending member portion
SBMMP1. The first bending adhesive portion SSALP1 is attached to
each of the first bending portion BP1 and the first sub-bending
member portion SBMMP1 to fix the first bending portion BP1 and the
first sub-bending member portion SBMMP1 to each other. The second
bending adhesive portion SSALP2 is connected to the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2, and is spaced from the first bending
adhesive portion SSALP1. The second bending adhesive portion SSALP2
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the second bending portion
BP2 and the second sub-bending member portion SBMMP2. The second
bending adhesive portion SSALP2 is attached to each of the second
bending portion BP2 and the second sub-bending member portion
SBMMP2 to fix the second bending portion BP2 and the second
sub-bending member portion SBMMP2 to each other.
[0066] The second adhesive portion ALP2 is connected to the first
adhesive portion ALP1. The second adhesive portion ALP2 makes
contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the light blocking layers SP1
and SP2 and the second member portion MMP2. The second adhesive
portion ALP2 is attached to each of the light blocking layers SP1
and SP2 and the second member portion MMP2 to fix the light
blocking layers SP1 and SP2 and the second member portion MMP2 to
each other.
[0067] The second adhesive portion ALP2 includes the third
sub-adhesive portion SALP3 and the fourth sub-adhesive portion
SALP4. The third sub-adhesive portion SALP3 is connected to the
first adhesive portion ALP1. The third sub-adhesive portion SALP3
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the first light blocking
layer SP1 and the first sub-member portion SMMP1. The third
sub-adhesive portion SALP3 is attached to each of the first light
blocking layer SP1 and the first sub-member portion SMMP1 to fix
the first light blocking layer SP1 and the first sub-member portion
SMMP1 to each other. The third sub-adhesive portion SALP3 makes
contact with one side surface of the first light blocking layer
SP1.
[0068] The fourth sub-adhesive portion SALP4 is connected to the
first adhesive portion ALP1, and is spaced from the third
sub-adhesive portion SALP3. The fourth sub-adhesive portion SALP4
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the second light blocking
layer SP2 and the second sub-member portion SMMP2. The fourth
sub-adhesive portion SALP4 is attached to each of the second light
blocking layer SP2 and the second sub-member portion SMMP2 to fix
the second light blocking layer SP2 and the second sub-member
portion SMMP2 to each other. The fourth sub-adhesive portion SALP4
makes contact (e.g., is adhered to) with one side surface of the
second light blocking layer SP2.
[0069] Each of the first and second bending adhesive portions
SSALP1 and SSALP2 have a modulus that is less than a modulus of
each of the third and fourth sub-adhesive portions SALP3 and SALP4.
Each of the first and second bending adhesive portions SSALP1 and
SSALP2 have a hardness that is less than a hardness of each of the
third and fourth sub-adhesive portions SALP3 and SALP4.
[0070] Each of the modulus of the first bending adhesive portion
SSALP1 and the modulus of the second bending adhesive portion
SSALP2 may be less than a modulus of the second adhesive portion
ALP2. The hardness of the first bending adhesive portion SSALP1 and
the hardness of the second bending adhesive portion SSALP2 may be
less than a hardness of the second adhesive portion ALP2.
[0071] The modulus of the first bending adhesive portion SSALP1 may
be substantially the same as, or different from, the modulus of the
second bending adhesive portion SSALP2. The hardness of the first
bending adhesive portion SSALP1 may be substantially the same as,
or different from, the hardness of the second bending adhesive
portion SSALP2.
[0072] The modulus of the third sub-adhesive portion SALP3 may be
substantially the same as, or different from, the modulus of the
fourth sub-adhesive portion SALP4. The hardness of the third
sub-adhesive portion SALP3 may be substantially the same as, or
different from, the hardness of the fourth sub-adhesive portion
SALP4.
[0073] Each of the modulus of the third sub-adhesive portion SALP3
and the modulus of the fourth sub-adhesive portion SALP4 may be
substantially the same as the modulus of the second adhesive
portion ALP2, although embodiments of the present invention should
not be limited thereto or thereby. For example, each of the modulus
of the third sub-adhesive portion SALP3 and the modulus of the
fourth sub-adhesive portion SALP4 may be greater than the modulus
of the second adhesive portion ALP2. Each of the hardness of the
third sub-adhesive portion SALP3 and the hardness of the fourth
sub-adhesive portion SALP4 may be substantially the same as the
hardness of the second adhesive portion ALP2, although the
embodiments of the present invention should not be limited thereto
or thereby. For example, each of the hardness of the third
sub-adhesive portion SALP3 and the hardness of the fourth
sub-adhesive portion SALP4 may be greater than the hardness of the
second adhesive portion ALP2.
[0074] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a display device 10
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 10
shown in FIG. 3A.
[0075] Hereinafter, the display device 10 according to the present
exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, features of the display device
are primarily described that are different from those of the
display device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and from those of the
display device shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the display device 10 includes
a first member MM1, a window WD, a light blocking layer SP, a first
adhesive layer AL1, a second member MM2, and a second adhesive
layer AL2. The first member MM1 includes at least one of a
polarizing plate, a display panel, and a touch screen panel. The
first member MM1 may be flexible or rigid.
[0077] The first member MM1 includes a first member portion MMP1
and a second member portion MMP2. The first member portion MMP1
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) a first adhesive portion
ALP1. The second member portion MMP2 is connected to the first
member portion MMP1. The second member portion MMP2 makes contact
with (e.g., is adhered to) a second adhesive portion ALP2. The
first member portion MMP1 includes a first bending member portion
BMMP1 and a first non-bending member portion NMMP1. The first
bending member portion BMMP1 is bent with respect to (e.g., about)
a bending axis BX extending in a first direction DR1. The first
bending member portion BMMP1 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered
to) a first sub-adhesive portion SALP1. The first non-bending
member portion NMMP1 is connected to the first bending member
portion BMMP1. The first non-bending member portion NMMP1 may be
flat without being bent. The first non-bending member portion NMMP1
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) a second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2.
[0078] The window WD is disposed on the first member MM1. The
window WD may be flexible or rigid. The window WD includes a first
window portion WDP1 and a second window portion WDP2. The first
window portion WDP1 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the
first adhesive layer AL1 and does not make contact with the light
blocking layer SP. The first window portion WDP1 includes a bending
portion BP and a non-bending portion NBP. The bending portion BP is
bent with respect to (e.g., about) the bending axis BX extending in
the first direction DR1. The non-bending portion NBP may be flat
without being bent. The second window portion WDP2 makes contact
with the light blocking layer SP, and does not make contact with
the first adhesive layer AL1.
[0079] The light blocking layer SP is between the window WD and the
first adhesive layer AL1. The light blocking layer SP makes contact
with the second window portion WDP2. The light blocking layer SP
does not make contact with the first window portion WDP1.
[0080] The first adhesive layer AL1 is between the first member MM1
and the window WD. The first adhesive layer AL1 includes the first
adhesive portion ALP1 and the second adhesive portion ALP2. The
first adhesive portion ALP1 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered
to) the first window portion WDP1 and the first member portion
MMP1. The first adhesive portion ALP1 is attached to each of the
first window portion WDP1 and the first member portion MMP1 to fix
the first window portion WDP1 and the first member portion MMP1 to
each other. The second adhesive portion ALP2 makes contact with
(e.g., is adhered to) the light blocking layer SP and the second
member portion MMP2. The second adhesive portion ALP2 is attached
to each of the light blocking layer SP and the second member
portion MMP2 to fix the light blocking layer SP and the second
member portion MMP2 to each other.
[0081] The first adhesive portion ALP1 includes a first
sub-adhesive portion SALP1 and a second sub-adhesive portion SALP2.
The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 makes contact with (e.g., is
adhered to) the bending portion BP and the first bending member
portion BMMP1. The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 is attached to
the bending portion BP and the first bending member portion BMMP1
to fix the bending portion BP and the first bending member portion
BMMP1 to each other. The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 makes
contact with one side surface of the light blocking layer SP.
[0082] The second adhesive portion ALP2 is connected to the first
sub-adhesive portion SALP1. The second sub-adhesive portion SALP2
makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the non-bending portion
NBP and the first non-bending member portion NMMP1. The second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2 is attached to the non-bending portion
NBP and the first non-bending member portion NMMP1 to fix the
non-bending portion NBP and the first non-bending member portion
NMMP1 to each other.
[0083] The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 has a modulus that is
less than a modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and
that is less than a modulus of the second adhesive portion ALP2.
The first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 has a hardness that is less
than a hardness of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and that
is less than a hardness of the second adhesive portion ALP2.
[0084] The modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be
substantially the same as the modulus of the second adhesive
portion ALP2. The hardness of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2
may be substantially the same as the hardness of the second
adhesive portion ALP2, although embodiments of the present
invention should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example,
the modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be less
than the modulus of the second adhesive portion ALP2. Further, the
hardness of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be less than
the hardness of the second adhesive portion ALP2.
[0085] The second member MM2 is under the first member MM1. The
second member MM2 may be different from the first member MM1. The
second member MM2 may include at least one of the polarization
plate, the display panel, and the touch screen panel. The second
member MM2 may be flexible or rigid.
[0086] The second member MM2 includes a third member portion MMP3
and a fourth member portion MMP4. The fourth member portion MMP4 is
connected to the third member portion MMP3. The fourth member
portion MMP4 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the fourth
adhesive portion ALP4. The third member portion MMP3 includes a
second bending member portion BMMP2 and a second non-bending member
portion NMMP2. The second bending member portion BMMP2 is bent with
respect to (e.g., about) the bending axis BX extending in the first
direction DR1. The second bending member portion BMMP2 makes
contact with (e.g., is adhered to) a fifth sub-adhesive portion
SALP5. The second non-bending member portion NMMP2 is connected to
the second bending member portion BMMP2. The second non-bending
member portion NMMP2 may be flat without being bent. The second
non-bending member portion NMMP2 makes contact with (e.g., is
adhered to) a sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6.
[0087] The second adhesive layer AL2 is between the first member
MM1 and the second member MM2. The second adhesive layer AL2 is
attached to each of the first member MM1 and the second member MM2
to fix the first member MM1 and the second member MM2 to each
other. The second adhesive layer AL2 includes at least one of an
acrylic-based compound and an acrylic-based copolymer. The second
adhesive layer AL2 includes a UV curing agent.
[0088] The second adhesive layer AL2 includes the third adhesive
portion ALP3 and the fourth adhesive portion ALP4. The third
adhesive portion ALP3 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the
first member portion MMP1 and a third member portion MMP3. The
third adhesive portion ALP3 is attached to each of the first member
portion MMP1 and the third member portion MMP3 to fix the first
member portion MMP1 and the third member portion MMP3. The fourth
adhesive portion ALP4 is connected to the third adhesive portion
ALP3. The fourth adhesive portion ALP4 makes contact with (e.g., is
adhered to) the second member portion MMP2 and the fourth member
portion MMP4. The fourth adhesive portion ALP4 is attached to each
of the second member portion MMP2 and the fourth member portion
MMP4 to fix the second member portion MMP2 and the fourth member
portion MMP4 to each other.
[0089] The third adhesive portion ALP3 includes the fifth
sub-adhesive portion SALP5 and the sixth sub-adhesive portion
SALP6. The fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5 makes contact with
(e.g., is adhered to) the first bending member portion BMMP1 and
the second bending member portion BMMP2. The fifth sub-adhesive
portion SALP5 is attached to each of the first bending member
portion BMMP1 and the second bending member portion BMMP2 to fix
the first bending member portion BMMP1 and the second bending
member portion BMMP2 to each other. The fifth sub-adhesive portion
SALP5 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) one side surface of
the fourth adhesive portion ALP4.
[0090] The sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 is connected to the
fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5. The sixth sub-adhesive portion
SALP6 makes contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the first
non-bending member portion NMMP1 and the second non-bending member
portion NMMP2. The sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 is attached to
each of the first non-bending member portion NMMP1 and the second
non-bending member portion NMMP2 to fix the first non-bending
member portion NMMP1 and the second non-bending member portion
NMMP2 to each other.
[0091] The fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5 has a modulus that is
less than each of a modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6
and a modulus of the fourth adhesive portion ALP4. The fifth
sub-adhesive portion SALP5 has a hardness that is less than each of
a hardness of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 and a hardness
of the fourth adhesive portion ALP4.
[0092] The modulus of the fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5 may be
substantially the same as the modulus of the first sub-adhesive
portion SALP1. The hardness of the fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5
may be substantially the same as the hardness of the first
sub-adhesive portion SALP1, although embodiments of the present
invention should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example,
the modulus of the fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5 may be
different from the modulus of the first sub-adhesive portion SALP1.
Further, the hardness of the fifth sub-adhesive portion SALP5 may
be different from the hardness of the first sub-adhesive portion
SALP1.
[0093] The modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 may be
substantially the same as the modulus of the fourth adhesive
portion ALP4. The hardness of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6
may be substantially the same as the hardness of the fourth
adhesive portion ALP4, although embodiments of the present
invention should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example,
the modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 may be less
than the modulus of the fourth adhesive portion ALP4. Further, the
hardness of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 may be less than
the hardness of the fourth adhesive portion ALP4.
[0094] The modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 may be
substantially the same as the modulus of the second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2. The hardness of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6
may be substantially the same as the hardness of the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2, although embodiments of the present
invention should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example,
the modulus of the sixth sub-adhesive portion SALP6 may be
different from the modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion
SALP2. Further, the hardness of the sixth sub-adhesive portion
SALP6 may be different from the hardness of the second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2.
[0095] In general, a first adhesive layer included in a
conventional display device has only one modulus (e.g., a single
modulus throughout the layer). Accordingly, the first adhesive
layer may not be sufficient for attaching to a step difference
portion between a window and a light blocking layer. As a result,
the first adhesive layer may be gradually spaced from (e.g.,
separated from) the step difference portion when the conventional
display device is bent.
[0096] The first adhesive layer included in the display device
according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure
has a plurality of moduli. In the first adhesive layer included in
the display device according to the exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure, the modulus of the first sub-adhesive portion,
which makes contact with the bending portion of the window and the
one side surface of the light blocking layer, is less than each of
the modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion making contact with
the non-bending portion of the window, and the modulus of the
second adhesive portion making contact with the light blocking
layer. Because the first sub-adhesive portion has flexibility that
is greater than that of each of the second sub-adhesive portion and
the second adhesive portion, the first adhesive layer may be
securely attached to the step difference portion caused by the
window and the light blocking layer, and thus the first adhesive
layer may be prevented or substantially prevented from being spaced
from the step difference portion even though the display device is
bent. Therefore, the display device according to the exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure may have improved (e.g.,
increased) durability.
[0097] Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the display device
will be described in detail.
[0098] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a method of manufacturing a
display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIGS. 5A to 5E are cross-sectional views showing
processes of the manufacturing method of the display device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5E, the manufacturing method
of the display device includes preparing the first adhesive layer
AL1, which includes the first adhesive portion ALP1 including the
first sub-adhesive portion SALP1, and the second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2 (S100), curing the first adhesive layer AL1 such that
the hardness of the first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 is less than
the hardness of each of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and
the second adhesive portion ALP2 (S200), attaching the first
adhesive layer AL1 to the light blocking layer SP and the window WD
(S300), and attaching the first adhesive layer AL1 to the first
member MM1 (S400).
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A, the first adhesive layer AL1 is
prepared (S100). The first adhesive layer AL1 includes the first
adhesive portion ALP1 and the second adhesive portion ALP2. The
first adhesive portion ALP1 includes the first sub-adhesive portion
SALP1 and the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2. The first adhesive
layer AL1 includes at least one of an acrylic-based compound and an
acrylic-based copolymer, although the first adhesive layer AL1
should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example, the first
adhesive layer AL1 may include the UV curing agent.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5B, and 5C, the first adhesive layer
AL1 is cured such that the hardness of the first sub-adhesive
portion SALP1 is less than the hardness of each of the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and the second adhesive portion ALP2
(S200). The curing of the first adhesive layer AL1 (S200) includes
providing a mask above the first adhesive layer AL1 and applying a
UV light to the first adhesive layer AL1 using the mask. The curing
of the first adhesive layer AL1 (8200) may be performed before or
after the attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the window
WD.
[0102] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5B, a first mask MSK1 is above the
first adhesive layer AL1 and the UV light is provided to the first
adhesive layer AL1 through the first mask MSK1. The first adhesive
layer AL1 is cured using the first mask MSK1 such that the hardness
of the first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 is less than the hardness
of each of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and the second
adhesive portion ALP2. The hardness of the second sub-adhesive
portion SALP2 may be substantially the same as the hardness of the
second adhesive portion ALP2. The modulus of the first sub-adhesive
portion SALP1 may be less than the modulus of each of the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and the second adhesive portion ALP2.
The modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be
substantially the same as the modulus of the second adhesive
portion ALP2.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5C, a second mask MSK2 is disposed
above the first adhesive layer AL1 and the UV light is provided to
(e.g., is applied to or shone upon) the first adhesive layer AL1
through the second mask MSK2. The first adhesive layer AL1 is cured
using the second mask MSK2 such that the hardness of the first
sub-adhesive portion SALP1 is less than the hardness of each of the
second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and the second adhesive portion
ALP2. The hardness of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be
less than the hardness of the second adhesive portion ALP2. The
modulus of the first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 may be less than
the modulus of each of the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 and
the second adhesive portion ALP2. The modulus of the second
sub-adhesive portion SALP2 may be less than the modulus of the
second adhesive portion ALP2.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5D, the first adhesive layer AL1 is
attached to the light blocking layer SP and the window WD (S300).
The window WD includes the first window portion WDP1 and the second
window portion WDP2. The first window portion WDP1 includes the
bending portion BP and the non-bending portion NBP. The second
window portion WDP2 makes contact with the light blocking layer SP.
The second window portion WDP2 is connected to the first window
portion WDP1. The second window portion WDP2 is spaced from the
non-bending portion NBP, and is connected to the bending portion
BP. The attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the light
blocking layer SP and the window WD (S300) is performed such that
the first sub-adhesive portion SALP1 is attached to the bending
portion BP, the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 is attached to
the non-bending portion NBP, and the second adhesive portion ALP2
is attached to the light blocking layer SP.
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5E, the first adhesive layer AL1 is
attached to the first member MM1 (S400). The first member MM1
includes the first member portion MMP1 and the second member
portion MMP2. The first member portion MMP1 includes the first
bending member portion BMMP1 and the first non-bending member
portion NMMP1. The second member portion MMP2 is connected to the
first member portion MMP1. The second member portion MMP2 makes
contact with (e.g., is adhered to) the second adhesive portion
ALP2. The attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the first
member MM1 (S400) may include attaching the first adhesive portion
ALP1 to the first member portion MMP1, and may include attaching
the second adhesive portion ALP2 to the second member portion MMP2.
The attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the first member
MM1 (S400) may include attaching the first sub-adhesive portion
SALP1 to the first bending member portion BMMP1, and may include
attaching the second sub-adhesive portion SALP2 to the first
non-bending member portion NMMP1.
[0106] The attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the light
blocking layer SP and the window WD (S300) and the attaching of the
first adhesive layer AL1 and the first member MM1 (S400) may be
concurrently (e.g., substantially simultaneously) performed,
although embodiments of the present invention should not be limited
thereto or thereby. For example, the attaching of the first
adhesive layer AL1 and the first member MM1 (S400) may be performed
after the attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the light
blocking layer SP and the window WD (S300) is performed, and the
attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 to the light blocking
layer SP and the window WD (S300) may be performed after the
attaching of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the first member MM1
(S400) is performed.
[0107] In general, the first adhesive layer included in the
conventional display device has only one modulus. Accordingly, the
first adhesive layer may not be sufficient for attaching to the
step difference portion between the window and the light blocking
layer. As a result, the first adhesive layer may be gradually
spaced from (e.g., separated from) the step difference portion when
the conventional display device is bent.
[0108] The first adhesive layer included in the display device
manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure has the moduli. In the first
adhesive layer included in the display device according to the
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the modulus of the
first sub-adhesive portion making contact with the bending portion
of the window and the one side surface of the light blocking layer
is less than each of the modulus of the second sub-adhesive portion
making contact with the non-bending portion of the window and the
modulus of the second adhesive portion making contact with the
light blocking layer. Because the first sub-adhesive portion has
flexibility greater than that of each of the second sub-adhesive
portion and the second adhesive portion, the first adhesive layer
may be securely attached to the step difference portion caused by
the window and the light blocking layer, and thus the first
adhesive layer may be prevented or substantially prevented from
being spaced from the step difference portion even though the
display device is bent. Therefore, the display device according to
the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may have
improved (e.g., increased) durability.
[0109] It will be understood that, although the terms "first",
"second", "third", etc., may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another element,
component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,
component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed
a second element, component, region, layer or section, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept.
[0110] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below",
"lower", "under", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein
for ease of description to describe one element or feature's
relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation
depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures
is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" or
"under" other elements or features would then be oriented "above"
the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below" and
"under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The
device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at
other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used
herein should be interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also
be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between"
two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one
or more intervening layers may also be present.
[0111] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the
inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an"
are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "include," "including," "comprises," and/or
"comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence
of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of,"
when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of
elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the
inventive concept refers to "one or more embodiments of the
inventive concept." Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer
to an example or illustration.
[0112] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled
to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements
or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to
as being "directly on," "directly connected to", or "directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening
elements or layers present.
[0113] As used herein, the term "substantially," "about," and
similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms
of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations
in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0114] As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be
considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and
"utilized," respectively.
[0115] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention
have been described, it is understood that the present invention
should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various
suitable changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary
skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims and equivalents
thereof.
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